Video games are a hot commodity right now. And we’re not just talking about new releases like Cyberpunk 2077 Or the desired ones New keyboards, Sony PlayStation 5 And the Xbox Series X and S..
Used video games are also in demand, and they can be great gifts, as they are sold at a discount. And if you sell or trade it, used games or consoles can provide a much-needed source of cash during the holidays – even if you’re shopping for a new console for yourself.
Not all players are alike. One player’s old game is another player’s new treasure. For all the sellers looking to unpack their collection of games they’ve finished, there are buyers who may haggle to shop for games that they haven’t dived into yet.
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Looking to buy and sell video games?
Your first consideration will likely be GameStop. The retailer has about 3,300 stores across the United States that buy video games and consoles – and some other devices like smartphones – for cash or store credit, which can be used to buy new or used products.
The company’s chief commerce officer, Chris Homster, said GameStop has seen a wave of customers recently with the arrival and holidays of new consoles. “A combination of hot new titles and the much-anticipated arrival of PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Series X | S. The consoles, along with the impressive holiday sales events we hosted, have increased foot traffic to our stores, which have implemented strict security protocols to ensure the safety of our customers and partners. “.
Homeister says more GameStop customers are also taking advantage of the chain’s contactless sales procedures, including online store pickup, and home delivery including same day delivery options.
You can use the GameStop mobile app or website To know the value of your trade exchange. PlayStation 4 Pro will get $ 175 in store credit and $ 140 in cash, while a copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man will be worth $ 4 in credit or $ 3.20 in cash. (You get 10% more value if you belong to GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards Program ($ 5 / month / $ 60 / year).
If you’re shopping for used consoles or games, the PS4 Pro will cost $ 369.99, while the pre-owned Spider-Man will sell for $ 17.99.
So GameStop makes money from your trades. But that’s part of the business – and it’s probably the easiest way to buy and sell used games and consoles.
Michael Pachter, who tracks the video game industry at Wedbush Securities, said, “GameStop will buy almost anything (except for sports that are over 3 years old). They might just give you a dollar, but they’ll buy anything.” The retailer “excels because it has a large inventory in each store, balances its inventory so that everything is available, allows online purchase with store pickup, and allows players to find and ship used products.”
Such as Many other retailersIn the past year or so, GameStop has shut down some of its stores, nearly 1,000, mainly because the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shutdown of businesses across the country.
The pros and cons of selling online
You can make more money selling games online – and if you’re a buyer, you may find some systems or games (or game collections) that you won’t find on GameStop.
What is the downside? You have to be more involved in the deal personally and you may find yourself having to trust the buyer or seller to complete the deal.
• eBay. Many video game players said they routinely hit eBay to buy and sell used games. You can find PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X (starting at $ 700) on eBay but you won’t get a bargain as it’s hard to come by.
Pre-owned PlayStation 4 consoles started at around $ 250, which should give you more than if you sold on GameStop. A used Spider-Man game can be found starting at $ 3.50, with new copies priced as low as $ 30. Xbox One “Gears 5” can be found in the range of $ 8.40 to about $ 40.
Advice for shoppers on eBay and other online marketplaces: Check your seller profile information to get reviews from other shoppers.
If you want to sell on eBay, the site will guide you through the process, even giving you advice on trying to get started. EBay is a solid selling site because it has its own site Buyer Protection Plan And most shoppers and sellers use PayPal, which also has Protection plan. Buyers who haven’t completed their purchase can add this unpaid item to their registry.
Other online video game selling sites
Amazon. If you’re shopping for used and new games and hardware, Amazon is a good option, too. Sellers must register And pay the $ 39.99 monthly fee (and pay the selling fee) to be on the site. New and used PS4s can be found starting at $ 645. You can find a used copy of “Gears 5” for just under $ 15; The new one fetched $ 17 to $ 25.
•Facebook Marketplace. Many video game shoppers and sellers have said that they use the social network bazaar for gaming, in part because these can be local transactions. But use the mobile app so you can see the seller’s rating (it cannot be viewed on the web). Five stars are positive and three are negative. Many Nintendo Switch and PS4 consoles can be found for sale locally, but some sellers do not have star ratings, which means they are new sellers or first-time sellers.
You can purchase via Facebook to use its Purchase Protection plan. If you plan to meet with the seller in person, Facebook has it Some tips for personal meetings, Including the protection to be taken due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
•Best buy. Electronics retailer It takes swaps, too. But the check found the Xbox One to be only $ 50.
Local retailers may also sell used video games – just search online for “used video games for sale near me” – and stores like Goodwill often stock them.
Some other online selling sites include buying games and consoles DeclutterAnd the MercuryAnd the Craigslist And the Canadian site for free classifieds KijijiAnd if you’re just shopping, GameFly It sells used games as well as offers a subscription rental service.
But most consumers prefer GameStop for the ease of processing and reliability of websites online, says Bacher. Moreover, “the online services do not cover the shipping costs and may refuse your submission.”
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